Name: Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw: a Powerfully Simple Secret at 911Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage, shredded; 1 carrot, shredded; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon celery seed; Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Welcome, friends! Pull up a chair. There are some recipes that just feel like home, you know? Like a warm hug on a plate. For our family, this Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw is absolutely one of those recipes.

It takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The air would be thick with the smell of fried chicken or smoky BBQ, and there, sitting cool and crisp on the counter, would be her perfect coleslaw. It wasn’t fancy, but it was always, always delicious.

She had a knack for making simple things taste incredible, and this recipe is a testament to that. It’s easy, uses everyday ingredients, and comes together in a flash. But the flavor? Oh, the flavor is just spot on.

It’s that classic creamy, tangy, slightly sweet goodness that pairs beautifully with just about anything. Whether you’re having a backyard cookout, a Sunday supper, or just need a simple side for dinner, this Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw is your answer.

I’ve made this countless times over the years, sharing it with my own family and friends. It’s a little piece of our history, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Trust me, this recipe is a keeper. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and makes meals feel a little more special.

So let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

Now, why is this particular Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw a favorite around here? Well, let me tell you!

It’s incredibly easy to whip up. Seriously, no complicated steps or fancy techniques needed.
It comes together super fast. Perfect for those last-minute dinner decisions or unexpected guests.
The flavor is just classic Southern comfort. That perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet.
It goes with *everything*. Think BBQ, fried chicken, fish tacos, sandwiches… the list goes on!
It’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike seem to always reach for a second helping.
It’s a wonderful make-ahead side. The flavors actually get better as it chills!

This coleslaw isn’t just a side dish; it’s a little bit of sunshine on a plate. It brings that fresh, crisp contrast to richer main courses and just makes everything feel a little more complete.

Ingredients for Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

Alright, let’s gather up what we need to make this wonderful Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw. It’s all pretty simple stuff, things you probably already have!

1 head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6-8 cups)
1 large carrot, finely shredded (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise (use your favorite creamy kind!)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (gives it that essential tang)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (just enough sweetness to balance)
1 teaspoon celery seed (this is the secret weapon for classic flavor!)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (season it just right)

See? Nothing too crazy! Just fresh veggies and a few pantry staples.

Equipment Needed for Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

You won’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw, which is another reason I love it! Here’s what I usually grab:

A large mixing bowl. You’ll need room to toss everything together.
A whisk. For making sure that dressing is perfectly smooth.
Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta get those ingredient amounts just right.
A sharp knife and cutting board OR a food processor with a shredding attachment. This is for getting those veggies nice and shredded.

That’s really it! Simple tools for a simple, delicious dish.

How to Make Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

Okay, now for the fun part! Putting it all together. Making this Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw is really straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic side dish ready in no time.

It’s all about getting the textures right and letting those flavors hang out together for a bit.

Preparing the Vegetables for Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

First things first, let’s get our veggies ready. You want your cabbage and carrot to be nicely shredded. I usually halve the cabbage, cut out the core, and then slice it really thinly with a sharp knife. You can also use a mandoline if you have one, just be super careful with your fingers!

For the carrot, I either use a box grater or the shredding attachment on my food processor. The food processor is definitely faster if you’re making a big batch! Get them both into your big mixing bowl.

Whisking the Creamy Coleslaw Dressing

Now, let’s make that dreamy, creamy dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed. Whisk it really well until it’s smooth and the sugar is dissolved. Give it a little taste and see if you like the balance of sweet and tangy. You can add a tiny bit more sugar or vinegar if you want.

Combining and Chilling the Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

Pour that beautiful dressing over your shredded cabbage and carrots. Now, grab a couple of spoons or tongs and start tossing! Make sure every single shred of cabbage and carrot gets coated in that creamy goodness. Once it looks well mixed, season it with salt and pepper. Start with a little, then taste and add more if needed. It’s important to season coleslaw properly!

Finally, cover the bowl tightly. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial! It lets the flavors meld together and makes the coleslaw even more delicious. I usually give it a good stir again right before serving.

Tips for Perfect Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

Want to take your Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw from great to absolutely amazing? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Freshness is Key: Start with the freshest cabbage and carrots you can find. They’ll give you the best texture and flavor. Limp veggies just won’t cut it!
Shredding Size Matters: I like a medium shred, but if you prefer it finer or a bit chunkier, go for it! Just try to keep it consistent so it mixes evenly.
Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste the dressing and the finished coleslaw before serving. Need a little more tang? Add a splash more vinegar. Want it sweeter? A tiny bit more sugar. Make it your own!
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: That 30-minute minimum in the fridge is so important. It’s when the flavors really get comfy together and become that delicious, cohesive coleslaw you’re after. An hour or even longer is even better if you have the time.
Salting Smartly: Add salt just before or after chilling. Adding it too early can draw too much water out of the cabbage and make your coleslaw watery.

Following these simple tips will help you get that classic, craveable Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw every single time.

Variations on Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

While this classic Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw is perfect as is, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a little! Here are a few easy ideas to put your own spin on it:

Add Some Color: Try adding some very finely diced red onion or a little bit of shredded red cabbage for extra visual appeal and a slightly different flavor.
A Hint of Spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing can give it a nice kick.
Fresh Herbs: Stir in some chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving for a burst of freshness.
Crunch Factor: Want more crunch? Toss in a handful of toasted nuts like pecans or almonds.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! That’s part of the joy of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

I get asked a few things pretty often about this Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw, so I thought I’d answer them here!

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! Using a good quality pre-shredded mix is a great time-saver. Just make sure it looks fresh and crisp.

How long does Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw last in the fridge?

It’s best eaten within 3-4 days. After that, the cabbage can start to lose its crispness and get a little watery.

Can I make Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you definitely can! In fact, making it a few hours ahead or even the day before is perfect. It gives the flavors lots of time to really develop. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Nutritional Information

Just for your information, here’s a rough idea of the nutritional breakdown for a serving of this Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw. Remember, these are estimates and can change based on the exact ingredients you use, especially the type of mayonnaise.

Serving Size: About 1 cup
Calories: Around 150
Fat: Approximately 13g
Protein: About 1g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 8g

It’s a side dish, after all, and it’s meant to be enjoyed as part of a bigger meal! This gives you a general idea of what you’re getting.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw

Now that you have this delicious Southern Style Creamy Coleslaw ready, what should you serve it with? The possibilities are just about endless! It’s truly the perfect companion for so many meals.

Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Classic BBQ! Pulled pork, brisket, or BBQ chicken are all fantastic.
Crispy fried chicken. That cool, creamy crunch next to hot chicken is divine.
Fish tacos or fried fish. It adds a fresh, tangy contrast.
Simple grilled meats like burgers or sausages.
As a side for a potluck or picnic spread.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong! Enjoy every bite.